Experiment Idea: Growing Crystals
We are going to create and observe the crystals of copper sulfate and magnesum sulfate by suspending them in containers filled with supersaturated solutions.
1. copper sulfate
2. aluminum potassium sulfate (alum)
3. 50 ml beaker
4. at least 250 ml of water
5. nylon fishing line/string
6. pencil or something to suspend the crystal from
Growing Copper Sulfate Crystals
Pour a little of the saturated copper sulfate solution into a saucer or shallow dish. Allow it to sit in an undisturbed location for several hours or overnight. Select the best crystal as your 'seed' for growing a large crystal. The best seed crystals are the ones that are singular and clean, without any other crystals attached. Scrape the crystal off of the container and tie it to a length of nylon fishing line.
Growing a Large Copper Sulfate Crystal
Suspend the seed crystal in a clean jar that you have filled with the solution you made earlier. Don't allow any undissolved copper sulfate to spill into the jar. Don't let the seed crystal touch the sides or bottom of the jar.
Place the jar in a location where it won't be disturbed. You can set a coffee filter or paper towel over the top of the container, but allow air circulation so that the liquid can evaporate.
Check the growth of your crystal each day. If you see crystals starting to grow on the bottom, sides, or top of the container then remove the seed crystal and suspend it in a clean jar. Pour the solution into this jar. You don't want 'extra' crystals growing because they will compete with your crystal and will slow its growth.
When you are pleased with your crystal, you can remove it from the solution and allow it to dry.
We are going to create and observe the crystals of copper sulfate and magnesum sulfate by suspending them in containers filled with supersaturated solutions.
Word document and diagram (Lab Report by Calvin):
Detailed procedures are provided below:
Materials:
1. copper sulfate
2. aluminum potassium sulfate (alum)
3. 50 ml beaker
4. at least 250 ml of water
5. nylon fishing line/string
6. pencil or something to suspend the crystal from
Growing Copper Sulfate Crystals
Pour a little of the saturated copper sulfate solution into a saucer or shallow dish. Allow it to sit in an undisturbed location for several hours or overnight. Select the best crystal as your 'seed' for growing a large crystal. The best seed crystals are the ones that are singular and clean, without any other crystals attached. Scrape the crystal off of the container and tie it to a length of nylon fishing line.Growing a Large Copper Sulfate Crystal
- Suspend the seed crystal in a clean jar that you have filled with the solution you made earlier. Don't allow any undissolved copper sulfate to spill into the jar. Don't let the seed crystal touch the sides or bottom of the jar.
- Place the jar in a location where it won't be disturbed. You can set a coffee filter or paper towel over the top of the container, but allow air circulation so that the liquid can evaporate.
- Check the growth of your crystal each day. If you see crystals starting to grow on the bottom, sides, or top of the container then remove the seed crystal and suspend it in a clean jar. Pour the solution into this jar. You don't want 'extra' crystals growing because they will compete with your crystal and will slow its growth.
- When you are pleased with your crystal, you can remove it from the solution and allow it to dry.
(http://chemistry.about.com/od/crystalrecipes/a/coppersulfate.htm)*Same procedure for Alum Crystal Growth Experiment.*
Pictures of Crystals:
Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, and Aluminum Potassium Sulfate Crystals: